IT was standing room only at the first of two meetings held to try and save the Red Lion pub in Ty’n-y-Groes.

Residents came together last week to consider a planning application to change the closed village pub into a day care centre for the elderly, or whether to try as a community to acquire it as a community asset.

Shirley Cantello, organiser, said: “It was a real surprise to see just so many people that evening, and clearly there was solid, genuine support for retaining the Red Lion as a pub and social centre.

“Across the two meetings 30 people indicated their willingness to invest money to achieve this aim.

“The response has been far greater than I could have imagined.”

Chris Wilde, joint organiser, added: “We’re feeling really encouraged. I’ve spoken to a few people between meetings and we already have £15,000 pledged.

“It was also announced that a new offer for the Red Lion had been put into Sterling Estate Agents as a direct result of the level of response and a steering group has been set up to investigate options and relevant funding sources, as well as continuing the discussions with residents for financial commitment, to assess viability.”

The current planning application is available to view until July 27 at the Civic Offices, Colwyn Bay. The closing date for lodging observations is July 11 and must be made in writing to: Development and Building Control Manager, Planning Services, Conwy County Council, Civic Offices, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AR, or by email at cyllun.plan@conwy.gov.uk